Florence
South Carolina

What stands out

Three things set Florence County apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is in the top 7% of American counties (93 of 100), the property tax rate is in the bottom 8% of American counties (0.44%), and life expectancy is in the bottom 9% of American counties (71.3 years). Within South Carolina it ranks 8th of 46 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Florence County, South Carolina. 137,015 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +594).

South Carolina has a two-bracket income tax with a top rate of 5.21% for 2026, does not tax Social Security, and exempts up to $10,000 of retirement income per person. Owner-occupied homes are assessed at 4% instead of 6%, which keeps property taxes among the lowest in the country. Charleston, Greenville and the coastal counties have drawn heavy in-migration; hurricane exposure runs the length of the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $56,088 a year, lower than 64% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,861. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 57% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

South Carolina takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,956 a year.

Home

The median home costs $204K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $818 a month. Property tax is 0.44% of home value, roughly $695 a year on that median home, lower than 92% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 58% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.3 years, shorter than 91% of American counties. There are 504 active physicians in the county, about 36.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 10.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.73 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 8 points. 62% of eligible voters turned out. Under South Carolina law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 64°F, highs near 76 and lows near 53, warmer than 81% of American counties. About 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 93 out of 100, riskier than 93% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 258 Mbps down, faster than 78% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.